The inherent characteristics of tram vehicles, such as size and weight, may lead to a perception that trams are more difficult to manoeuvre and control safely, particularly as they operate in close proximity to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Thus, ensuring tramway safety and minimising risk are crucial to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities from collisions.
This study sets out to investigate how light rail and tram operators address challenges related to collisions on their networks, and the measures and strategies that are being implemented or developed to minimise the risk of collisions. Specifically, this study focuses on aspects relating to:
- the collation and review/analysis of collision statistics and contributing factors;
- the review of different measures and practices (vehicle technology and design, infrastructure design) that members are using or developing to reduce collision incidents on their networks; and
- the review of driver training programmes and what operators’ approaches are for addressing and managing drivers involved in collisions.
